Advancing Clinical Research on EBV in MS

The Mystery Solved Project 2025 virtual conference, hosted by the European Charcot Foundation and the Mystery Solved Project, brought together global leaders in virology, immunology, and neurology to explore the intricate links between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Among the standout contributors was Professor Øivind Torkildsen, principal investigator of the EBV-MS project, who delivered a compelling presentation titled “EBV Lytic Replication and MS: Clinical Trials.”

Professor Torkildsen’s lecture offered a comprehensive overview of the hypothesis that lytic EBV activity may be a key driver of MS pathology, a central focus of the EBV-MS project. He shared insights from current and upcoming clinical trials, including the TAF-MS 1 study, which evaluates the antiviral agent tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. This interventional study is one of the first to test an EBV-targeted therapy in the MS population, and represents a potential paradigm shift in how the disease is treated.

“These trials reflect a growing translational momentum in the field,” noted Torkildsen during his presentation. “We’re moving closer to understanding how EBV might drive disease processes in MS, and more importantly, how we can intervene.”

Reflecting on the event, Torkildsen emphasised the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that characterised the conference. With contributions from virologists, immunologists, and clinicians alike, the event highlighted the power of interdisciplinary research in advancing complex disease understanding.

“The EBV-MS initiative is built on this collaborative foundation,” Torkildsen shared. “By building bridges across disciplines and research groups, we are accelerating progress and ensuring that our research remains both scientifically rigorous and deeply patient-centred.”

The EBV-MS project, funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme (2024–2028), is at the forefront of this effort. Co-led by Professors Torkildsen and Kjell-Morten Myhr, the project seeks to answer a fundamental question: Why do only a subset of EBV-infected individuals develop MS? By investigating both immune responses and virological mechanisms, the consortium aims to pave the way for preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting the virus.

The Mystery Solved Project 2025 underscored the urgency and promise of this work. As EBV continues to emerge as a critical factor in MS pathogenesis, platforms like this conference offer valuable opportunities to engage the global research community, foster innovation, and keep patients’ needs at the heart of scientific advancement.